Dr. Lisandra Torres-Aponte and Dr. Giuliana McQuirt, faculty members at the Florida State University College of Medicine – Immokalee Campus, represented FSU at the 2025 Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Their research poster, “The Relationship Between Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in Latinas,” explored the impact of maternal ACEs on perinatal mental health outcomes in Latina farmworker populations. Using data from a community health center’s toxic stress screening protocol, their findings revealed a significant correlation between higher ACE scores and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety during the perinatal period.

This work highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and early screening in underserved communities, contributing to improved prevention and intervention strategies for maternal mental health.